As we know, anxiety and depression are very common medical conditions that many people deal with every day. They can impact your mood, behavior, and activities. Often, the two of them go hand in hand or can be symptoms of the same underlying issue. If you struggle with anxiety or depression, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with you. Instead, these conditions are a normal part of life for many people at any given time. This means there’s help out there! In this article, we’ll explore how anxiety and depression can arise from an imbalance in our nervous system and how regular massage therapy can help reduce those feelings of stress and unease.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States today. Many people experience anxiety at some point in their lives, but for others, the feeling lasts much longer. Types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. While generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder are more serious conditions that can interfere with daily life, most other types of anxiety are more common.
How Depression develops
A lot of people struggle with anxiety and/or depression for a period of time without realizing it. If it’s been a while since your last bout of the two, it’s possible for you to experience a return of feelings without realizing it. Why does this happen? It’s likely that you’ve experienced more in your life than most people, which can result in more stress and frustration. If you’ve been dealing with anxiety/depression for a while, it’s important to recognize that it can also be a sign that something may be off with your mood and mental health. You may be experiencing signs of depression or anxiety that you’re not aware of.
Research shows massage therapy can help treat anxiety and depression
Research has shown that regular massage therapy, when done at an outpatient appointment, can help relieve depression symptoms, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life. It can also decrease stress and promote relaxation. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 59 people with depression were treated with massage therapy for six weeks. Half of the participants received massage therapy three times per week, while the other half received twice-weekly sessions. Both groups had improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression after just six weeks.
Which type of massage should you seek out for treatment?
If you’ve struggled with anxiety or depression for a while, you may find yourself yearning for a change in your condition. If that’s the case, you may want to explore massage therapy as a treatment option for anxiety and/or depression. There are many types of massage therapy that can help reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation. Deep tissue massage helps ease muscle spasms, which can reduce anxiety and improve your sleep. It can also reduce pain and promote relaxation. Swedish massage is another popular type of massage therapy that has been shown to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep.
Conclusion
When you’re feeling anxious or depressed, it can feel like life is out of control. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are resources out there to help. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression for a while, you may want to consider exploring massage therapy as a treatment option. Regular massage therapy can help reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation. It can also help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. And, in many cases, it can also help reduce the stigma of receiving care for mental health conditions. It’s important to note that massage therapy is an option, not a cure for anxiety and/or depression. It’s most effective when used regularly alongside other treatment options, such as psychotherapy or medications. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression for a while, you may want to consider exploring massage therapy as a treatment option.
